WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Intervention and aftermath: Venezuela’s ruling party reported that 24 officers died during the U.S. intervention, while Cuba said 32 of its agents were killed. Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured in Caracas and taken to New York, where they face charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses.

• Trump’s stance: U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States could strike Venezuela again if interim leader Delcy Rodríguez does not cooperate. He did not rule out sending troops and said the U.S. would take control during a transition period.

• Oil and reconstruction plan: Trump stated that U.S. policy aims to have oil companies pay to rebuild Venezuela’s infrastructure, with the promise that they would later be reimbursed.

• Political transition: An intelligence report suggests the U.S. considered leaving members of the chavista regime in charge after the intervention. Delcy Rodríguez was named interim president, pledging to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty while remaining open to cooperation.

4:14 PM EST - January 5, 2026

Schumer criticizes Trump and warns of “endless wars”

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer questioned President Donald Trump’s action in Venezuela and warned that it could mark the beginning of a dangerous foreign policy approach. He said attempts at regime change have cost American families blood and resources, and stressed that the country does not want to be drawn into another era of “endless wars.”

12:48 PM EST - January 5, 2026

Next Hearing for Maduro and Flores Set for March 17

Judge Alvin Hellerstein announced that the next court hearing for Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores will take place on March 17 at 11:00 a.m. After the session, Maduro gathered his documents and paused to look at the gallery before being escorted out of the courtroom with his wife.

12:29 PM EST - January 5, 2026

Maduro and Flores Plead “Not Guilty” in New York Court

During their first hearing at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores pleaded “not guilty” to the charges against them in the United States. Maduro defended himself by saying he remains “a decent man” and the president of Venezuela, while Flores stated she is “completely innocent.” Their lawyer noted that they will submit legal documents to challenge the legality of their capture and defend Maduro’s status as head of state.

11:22 AM EST - January 5, 2026

Venezuela Declares State of External Commotion, Orders Arrests of Those Supporting U.S. Attack

Following Nicolás Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces, the Venezuelan regime declared a State of External Commotion, ordering security forces to locate and arrest anyone who promoted or supported the attack. The decree includes military mobilization, border patrols, and the militarization of public services and oil infrastructure, and allows for additional measures such as asset seizures, border closures, and suspension of the right to protest if deemed necessary by the presidency.

11:03 AM EST - January 5, 2026

María Corina Machado Thanks Trump for His “Determination in Upholding the Law”

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado thanked President Donald Trump and his administration for their firmness in enforcing the law. Machado said Venezuela will be a key ally of the United States in security, energy, democracy, and human rights, highlighting global support from the Venezuelan people and reaffirming the “inevitability and imminence” of the country’s transition following Nicolás Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces.

9:46 AM EST - January 5, 2026

Sheinbaum Says Mexico “Categorically” Rejects Intervention in Venezuela

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government categorically rejects intervention in the internal affairs of other countries, referring to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. She argued that Latin American history shows foreign intervention has never brought democracy or lasting stability, and reiterated that Mexico cooperates closely with the United States in combating drug trafficking, highlighting record drug seizures and a decline in homicides during her presidency.

9:46 AM EST - January 5, 2026

UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Session Over Maduro’s Capture

The UN Security Council will convene an emergency meeting this Monday in New York, at Venezuela’s request, to address the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the United States. The body will examine the legal and diplomatic implications of the operation, as the UN stresses the need to uphold international law while maintaining that Venezuelan officials remain accountable for alleged human rights violations.

6:49 PM EST - January 4, 2026

EU CALLS FOR RELEASE OF ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS IN VENEZUELA AND URGES DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION

The European Union, backed by 26 of its member states, on Friday called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Venezuela and emphasized the need to respect human rights and international law. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative, reiterated that dictator Nicolás Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy and called for a peaceful, Venezuelan-led transition to restore democracy in the country.

5:36 PM EST - January 4, 2026

Edmundo González Says Venezuela Is at a “Historic Turning Point”

Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia stated that the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro marks a turning point in Venezuela’s history. In his first public message following the events, González emphasized that, while this is an important step, true normalization of the country will only be possible with the release of all political prisoners.

5:30 PM EST - January 4, 2026

Maduro to Appear Before Federal Court in Manhattan This Monday

Dictator Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to appear at noon on Monday before a federal court in lower Manhattan, according to the Southern District of New York. The case has been assigned to Federal Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, marking a new judicial step following his recent capture by U.S. authorities.

2:34 PM EST - Janury 4, 2026

Rubio Says Maduro’s Capture Does Not Mean War with Venezuela

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the operation resulting in Nicolás Maduro’s capture does not signify a military conflict with Venezuela, but rather an action targeting drug trafficking. Rubio emphasized that the United States is at war with criminal organizations, not the Venezuelan people, and noted that, for now, national security takes priority over holding elections in the South American country.

2:04 PM EST - January 4, 2026

Trump Warns Delcy Rodríguez: “She Will Pay a Very High Price”

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, stating that she will face severe consequences if she does not “do the right thing,” potentially even harsher than those faced by Nicolás Maduro. In an interview with The Atlantic, Trump defended a regime change in Venezuela, arguing that the country cannot be worse off than it is under the current situation, while reaffirming other strategic priorities of the United States internationally.

12:29 PM EST - January 4, 2026

Venezuela Accuses U.S. of Killing Part of Maduro’s Security Team

The Venezuelan government claimed that U.S. forces killed a “large part” of Nicolás Maduro’s security team during his capture, calling the operation a “kidnapping” and a serious violation of national sovereignty. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López demanded the immediate release of Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and urged the international community to witness what he described as an unprecedented military aggression against Venezuela.

11:33 AM EST - January 4, 2026

Marco Rubio Warns Cuban Regime Faces “Serious Problems”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Cuban government poses “a major problem” for the Trump administration and warned that the regime is in a delicate situation. While he avoided detailing Washington’s next steps, he made it clear that the United States does not support Cuba’s political system, signaling increased pressure on Havana.

11:26 AM EST - January 4, 2026

Netanyahu Praises U.S. Attack on Venezuela, Backs Trump’s Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the U.S. operation in Venezuela “a flawless operation,” reaffirming his support for President Donald Trump’s decision. Netanyahu stated that the action demonstrates strong leadership and noted that Latin America is undergoing a political transformation, with several countries reestablishing ties with Washington while also strengthening their relations with Israel.

10:39 AM EST - January 4, 2026

North Korea Condemns U.S. Attacks on Venezuela, Heightening International Tensions

North Korea described the U.S. attacks on Venezuela as a serious violation of sovereignty, accusing Washington of acting in a “brutal and dishonest” manner. The statement came hours after Pyongyang launched ballistic missiles and, according to analysts, further complicates any possibility of dialogue with the United States, while the regime is expected to use the Venezuelan case as propaganda to justify its weapons development.

9:21 AM EST - January 4, 2026

Iran Calls U.S. Attack in Venezuela “State Terrorism”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. attack in Venezuela and the detention of Nicolás Maduro, calling it “a clear example of state terrorism” and a violation of the country’s sovereignty. According to statements released by the state news agency IRNA, Tehran expressed solidarity with Venezuela, supported whom it considers its “legitimate president,” and called on the UN to intervene in what it described as an illegal aggression.

8:38 AM EST - January 4, 2026

China and Russia Strongly Condemn U.S. Military Attack in Venezuela

China and Russia harshly criticized the U.S. military action in Venezuela, calling it a violation of international law and the South American country’s sovereignty. Beijing said it was “deeply shocked” by the use of force, while Moscow stated that the capture and detention of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores constitutes an unacceptable act that threatens peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean.